Unknown USB Device Problems - How Can You Prevent Them?

Examples of hardware devices collectively known as USB devices are mice, keyboards, printers, and USB storage devices. These devices communicate with a computer through the USB ports, and offer convenience to PC users, but there are cases when device related troubles such as unknown USB device problems occur.

Having unknown USB device problems will result in an inability to access the features and functions of a specific device. These problems may be due to defective or loose USB connectors. Issues with device drivers such as missing, corrupted, or outdated drivers are very likely to happen too. Below are the most common options for fixing and preventing these USB device problems.

Check USB Connectors and Cables

Sometimes, an unknown USB device is a result of a loose connection in the USB port, and to fix this you may try to reconnect your device. Ensure to reconnect its cable tightly and properly into the USB port and after that check if it can already be detected by your computer.

If the USB port connection is not loose, examine the USB cable carefully for any damage or defects. You can also test the USB cable by using it to connect another peripheral to your computer to ensure that it is working properly.

Install the Required Drivers

Windows OS automatically installs drivers for a number of devices, such as mouse, keyboard, and USB hub, upon connecting them to a computer. Other USB devices such as printers, scanners, and mobile phones may require specific device drivers to initiate connection with a computer. Without installing the specific drivers, these devices will be listed as unknown devices in the Device Manager.

To solve unknown USB problems due to missing drivers, you must install the required drivers by using the installation CD. If the installation CD is not available, you can visit the official website of the manufacturer of your device to search and download its drivers.

Re-install the Drivers

An error message stating "USB Device not Recognized" indicates that the USB device plugged into your computer is not recognized. Mostly, this error occurs when your computer is unable to detect the required device driver or the driver has been damaged or corrupted. You can simply reboot your PC and let it re-detect the required device driver for your USB device. If that doesn't work, you can also try the following steps:

Go to your Device Manager
Right-click the Unknown USB Device
Click Properties
Click Driver tab
Click Uninstall
Click OK
Reboot your PC
Check if it already detects the Device
If the above option doesn't fix the problem, try to use the installation CD and re-install the device driver for the USB device manually (same procedure as when you first installed the device).

Use a Reliable Update Tool

You can also use a reliable driver update tool which offers an instant fix for device driver related issues. This option will not only automate the process of downloading the latest drivers for you, but it will also guide you through the installation process as well. This option will save your time and energy from searching for device drivers or updates online, and it will protect you from the dangers of installing wrong and incompatible device drivers.

As a recap, in case a USB device suddenly stops functioning, you must ensure that the USB connector has been plugged tightly and properly into the USB port, and its USB cable is not defective. If the problem is due to missing drivers, you must install the required drivers for the hardware. If the issue is due to a damaged or corrupted device driver, you can update the device driver through the Device Manager or download an updated version online. Lastly, you can also use a reliable driver update tool which offers an instant fix for unknown USB device problems resulting from device driver issues.